“The recent Muslim Brotherhood denunciation of legal rights for women, including inheritance rights and the right to file legal complaints against their husbands for rape, was repugnant and contrary to the leadership Egypt has traditionally shown in the advancement of human rights. We should be steadfast in our condemnation of those that attempt to justify or prevaricate over any form of violence against women,” the senators wrote.

The senators continued, “We respectfully urge you to call on fellow members of the United Nations to renounce these offensive statements and continue your efforts to make women’s rights a global priority, especially when working with our allies in the Middle East.”

The senators also urged Kerry to encourage President Morsi of Egypt to renounce the Muslim Brotherhood’s statements.

“Please encourage President Morsi to rebuke those who dishonor women by denigrating their status in Egyptian society and reaffirm the statement of his Deputy Prime Minister that women stand as equals in Egypt calling for “freedom, dignity, democracy and justice,” and urge President Morsi to ensure that the Egyptian Government will continue its efforts to strengthen the legal protection of women,” the senators wrote.

Full text of the letter is below.

March 19, 2013

The Honorable John F. Kerry Secretary of State United States Department of State 2201 C Street Northwest Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Secretary Kerry:

We write to applaud the position of the United States at the 57th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and affirm our commitment to prioritizing the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women. While the world has come together around this shared goal, we are deeply troubled by the recent statement by the Muslim Brotherhood opposing basic universal rights for women. We respectfully urge you to call on fellow members of the United Nations to renounce these offensive statements and continue your efforts to make women’s rights a global priority, especially when working with our allies in the Middle East.

The recent Muslim Brotherhood denunciation of legal rights for women, including inheritance rights and the right to file legal complaints against their husbands for rape, was repugnant and contrary to the leadership Egypt has traditionally shown in the advancement of human rights. We should be steadfast in our condemnation of those that attempt to justify or prevaricate over any form of violence against women. As Ambassador Rice made clear in her remarks, “ending this global scourge will require comprehensive support services for survivors, justice for perpetrators, redoubled efforts to prevent assault, and the common recognition that women and girls have fundamental and inalienable rights, including making their own reproductive health choices.”

Please encourage President Morsi to rebuke those who dishonor women by denigrating their status in Egyptian society and reaffirm the statement of his Deputy Prime Minister that women stand as equals in Egypt calling for “freedom, dignity, democracy and justice,” and urge President Morsi to ensure that the Egyptian Government will continue its efforts to strengthen the legal protection of women.

We know that we can count on you to continue the hard fought progress made in advancing the status of women. We look forward to working with you on these important issues.